HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2839.11 – Silicates; sodium metasilicates
HS code 2839.11 is the 6-digit subheading for silicates, sodium metasilicates. It is used for sodium metasilicate anhydrous, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, granular sodium metasilicate and powdered sodium metasilicate.
What HS 2839.11 covers
Sodium metasilicates are a class of inorganic compounds characterized by their high alkalinity and excellent cleaning properties, making them indispensable in various industrial and household applications. They are typically traded in anhydrous, pentahydrate, or nonahydrate forms, each offering specific benefits in terms of solubility and alkalinity. Their primary use is as a builder in detergents and cleaning agents, where they enhance cleaning efficiency, emulsify oils, and provide corrosion inhibition. Beyond cleaning, sodium metasilicates are utilized in textile processing, paper de-inking, metal cleaning, and as a binder in refractory materials. The international trade involves chemical manufacturers, detergent producers, and industrial cleaning suppliers. Major importers are often countries with robust manufacturing sectors that require effective cleaning solutions or have significant detergent production. Exporters are typically nations with access to raw materials like silica and soda ash, coupled with advanced chemical processing capabilities. Understanding the specific hydrate form is crucial for accurate classification and application.
- Covers
- Sodium metasilicate anhydrous
- Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate
- Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate
- Granular sodium metasilicate
- Powdered sodium metasilicate
- Sodium metasilicate for detergents
- Sodium metasilicate for metal cleaning
- Examples
- PQ Corporation Sodium Metasilicate
- OxyChem Sodium Metasilicate
- BASF Sodium Metasilicate
Codes often confused with 2839.11
Common mistake. This code is specifically for sodium metasilicates; it can be confused with other sodium silicates under 283919 if the "meta" form is not clearly specified. Distinguishing between different silicate ratios is key to correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283911, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283911 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $30M 42% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $17M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $7.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $73M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $10M 12% of world imports
- 2 Japan $8.7M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $7.3M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $87M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2839.11
Brazil does not split HS 2839.11: its NCM code is 2839.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.39 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2839.11
What is HS code 283911?
HS code 283911 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Silicates; sodium metasilicates. Sodium metasilicates are a class of inorganic compounds characterized by their high alkalinity and excellent cleaning properties, making them indispensable in various industrial and household applications. They are typically traded in anhydrous, pentahydrate, or nonahydrate forms, each offering specific benefits in terms of solubility and alkalinity. Their primary use is as a builder in detergents and cleaning agents, where they enhance cleaning efficiency, emulsify oils, and provide corrosion inhibition. Beyond cleaning, sodium metasilicates are utilized in textile processing, paper de-inking, metal cleaning, and as a binder in refractory materials. The international trade involves chemical manufacturers, detergent producers, and industrial cleaning suppliers. Major importers are often countries with robust manufacturing sectors that require effective cleaning solutions or have significant detergent production. Exporters are typically nations with access to raw materials like silica and soda ash, coupled with advanced chemical processing capabilities. Understanding the specific hydrate form is crucial for accurate classification and application.
What products fall under HS code 283911?
Sodium metasilicate anhydrous, Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Granular sodium metasilicate, Powdered sodium metasilicate, Sodium metasilicate for detergents, Sodium metasilicate for metal cleaning
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283911?
This code is specifically for sodium metasilicates; it can be confused with other sodium silicates under 283919 if the "meta" form is not clearly specified. Distinguishing between different silicate ratios is key to correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283911?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283911 in UN Comtrade data were China ($30M, 42% of world exports), Belgium ($17M) and the Netherlands ($7.7M). World exports came to about $73M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 283911?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283911 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 12% of world imports), Japan ($8.7M) and the United States ($7.3M). World imports came to about $87M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 283911 structured?
HS code 283911 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (39) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283911?
In Brazil, HS code 283911 is NCM 2839.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.